Ryabkov insisted the talks were at a “responsible level,” suggesting that it was “routine, everyday work.” He added that the talks with the Clinton campaign were “not always productive,” likely reflective of the Clinton campaign spending much of the election accusing Russia of plotting to get Trump elected.

From the Democratic National Convention until the election, Clinton and her supporters repeatedly accused the Russian government of trying to “hack” the election to Trump’s favor, and accused Trump of being a secret Russian puppet.

Russian officials suggested that the Foreign Ministry’s involvement was limited to seeking “clarification” of statements by the campaigns that related to Russia, and to convey interview requests on behalf of Russian media outlets.